Co Armagh man, who subjected his mother to sustained verbal and financial abuse, is given a jail term

The 28-year-old appeared before Craigavon Magistrates court via video link from Maghaberry Prison on Friday for sentencing.

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Kyle Elliott, from Clendinning Way, Portadown, had previously been convicted of one charge of domestic abuse.

In February 19 this year at around 11.05pm police received a report of an “on-going domestic” at the defendant’s home.

Elliott’s mother reported that he and his brother were fighting. “She had left the property due to her fear of the defendant,” said the Prosecutor.

By the time police arrived Elliott had left the property however he was found close by.

"Police spoke to his mother who alleged she had been subject to various forms of abuse by the defendant since he was released from Maghaberry on February 6 this year,” said a Prosecutor.

"She was extremely emotional with police and she has made allegations which include being verbally abused daily by the defendant along with financial abuse,” she said adding the defendant knows when she receives her wages and demands money from her.

"She was afraid to refuse to give the defendant money due to how he would react. She further stated that she suffered financial, emotional and psychological abuse for the last 15 years,” the Prosecutor said adding there was a request for a Restraining Order.

Elliott’s barrister Mr David McKeown said his client has “significant addiction and mental health issues”.

Mr McKeown admitted that his client’s mother is “tortured by him” when he is suffering from those issues. When he is not his mother takes him back and tries to help him.

"He then falls off the wagon,” said the barrister, adding his understanding is that Elliott’s mother is no longer “willing to put up with him”.

He revealed that his client has been in custody since February and has served the equivalent of 11 months of custody.

He also concurred with the District Judge that his mother has endured this abuse for longer than was stated in the charges.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: “It is hard to find a worse victim than anybody than your actual mother.

"This lady has given you repeated chances and you have effectively thrown them in her face. You have treated your mother in an abhorrent fashion. I hope you are deeply ashamed."

"There may be addiction issues or mental health but it is very hard to think of a worse way to treat your mother for a prolonged duration,” he said.

The District Judge noted that Elliott has already served closed to 11 months in custody.

"I will mark a term of imprisonment today of seven months. He will be time served on that,” he said.

The District Judge pointed to the fact that the defence barrister had requested a shorter Restraining Order.

"This lady has shown this man enough chances,” said District Judge Ranaghan ordering a Restraining Order for two years.

"That is to give his mother some breathing space,” he said adding a £25 Offender Levy to the sentence.